Peelable dinnerware

ABSTRACT

A peelable plate can include a base, a plurality of top liner layers disposed adjacent to a top surface of the base and a plurality of bottom liner layers disposed adjacent to a bottom surface of the base. The plurality of top liner layers are arranged in manner that allow a top liner layer of the plurality of liner layers to be peeled away from another top liner layer of the plurality of top liner layers while the another top liner layer remains in its original position. The plurality of bottom liner layers are arranged in manner that allow a bottom liner layer of the plurality of bottom liner layers to be peeled away from another bottom liner layer of the plurality of bottom liner layers while the another bottom liner layer remains in its original position.

BACKGROUND Field

This disclosure is generally related to disposable food serving items,and, in particular, multi-use disposable food serving items.

Description of the Related Art

In current times, people are becoming more concerned about theenvironment, excess waste, management of natural resources, and issuesregarding sustainability.

With regard to the preparation and eating of meals, the use oftraditional ceramic or plastic dishware (or other food containers)requires the washing of the dishware after a meal is completed. Whilesuch traditional dishware is reusable, the washing of dishware (eitherby hand or via an automatic dishwasher) after meals can use thousands ofgallons per year of water. The use of this large amount of water can beconsidered to be environmentally unfriendly by many people.

As an alternative to traditional dishware, people can use plastic orpaper disposable dishware, such as paper plates. While the use of suchdisposable dishware has the benefit of not requiring washing, and theuse of large amounts of water, the use of disposable dishware has otherdetrimental environmental effects.

For example, the use of traditional disposable dishware generates largeamounts of paper and plastic waste annually. To efficiently support foodfor eating, disposal dishware typically requires a certain weight andthickness to provide adequate rigidity. After many consecutive meals,the aggregate accumulation of traditional dishware can have detrimentalenvironmental effects.

Thus, there is a need in the food container art to provide foodcontainers and dishware that does not require washing, and can minimizethe accumulation of trash waste.

BRIEF SUMMARY

Embodiments of the invention address the above-discussed and otherproblems in the art.

Embodiments of the invention can include a peelable plate comprising: abase; a plurality of top liner layers disposed adjacent to a top surfaceof the base; and a plurality of bottom liner layers disposed adjacent toa bottom surface of the base.

In some embodiments, the plurality of top liner layers are arranged inmanner that allow a top liner layer of the plurality of liner layers tobe peeled away from another top liner layer of the plurality of topliner layers while the another top liner layer remains in its originalposition.

In some embodiments, the plurality of bottom liner layers are arrangedin manner that allow a bottom liner layer of the plurality of bottomliner layers to be peeled away from another bottom liner layer of theplurality of bottom liner layers while the another bottom liner layerremains in its original position.

In some embodiments, each of the top liner layers include a top tabportion extending outwardly from each respective top liner layer.

In some embodiments, each of the bottom liner layers include a bottomtab portion extending outwardly from each respective bottom liner layer.

In some embodiments, a plurality of top tab portions are aligned with aplurality of bottom tab portions.

In some embodiments, the plurality of top liner layers are formed suchthat a peripheral portion of each of the plurality of top liner layersextends substantially vertically downward, an angled edge is defined atan end of the downward facing peripheral portions of the top linerlayers, and the plurality of top liner layers are arranged such that anoutermost top liner layer extends further downward than an adjacent topliner layer.

In some embodiments, the plurality of top liner layers form a foodresistant barrier between the plurality of top liner layers due to theoutermost top liner layer extends further downward than an adjacent topliner layer.

In some embodiments, the plurality of top liner layers are arranged suchthat adjacent top liner layers are in direct contact with each otherwith no adhesive layer disposed between adjacent top liner layers.

In some embodiments, the plurality of bottom liner layers are arrangedsuch that adjacent bottom liner layers are in direct contact with eachother with no adhesive layer disposed between adjacent bottom linerlayers.

In some embodiments, an adhesive is disposed between a top liner layerof the plurality of top liner layers that is adjacent the base, and anadhesive is disposed between a bottom liner layer of the plurality ofbottom liner layers that is adjacent the base.

In some embodiments, the base has a greater stiffness than each of theplurality of top liner layers and each of the plurality of bottom linerlayers.

In some embodiments, the plurality of top liner layers and the pluralityof bottom liner layers are compressed against the base, and theplurality of top liner layers and the plurality of bottom liner layersare maintained in position in part due to creases in the plurality oftop liner layers, the base, and the plurality of bottom liner layers.

In some embodiments, the plurality of top liner layers includes in therange of 15-30 top liner layers, and the plurality of bottom linerlayers includes in the range of 2-10 bottom liner layers.

In some embodiments, the plurality of top liner layers includes 25 topliner layers, and

-   -   the plurality of bottom liner layers includes 5 bottom liner        layers.

In some embodiments,

Another embodiment of the invention can include a peelable foodcontainer comprising:

-   -   a base; a plurality of top liner layers disposed adjacent to a        top surface of the base; and a plurality of bottom liner layers        disposed adjacent to a bottom surface of the base.

In some embodiments, the plurality of top liner layers are arranged inmanner that allow a top liner layer of the plurality of liner layers tobe peeled away from another top liner layer of the plurality of topliner layers while the another top liner layer remains in its originalposition.

In some embodiments, the plurality of bottom liner layers are arrangedin manner that allow a bottom liner layer of the plurality of bottomliner layers to be peeled away from another bottom liner layer of theplurality of bottom liner layers while the another bottom liner layerremains in its original position.

In some embodiments, each of the top liner layers include a top tabportion extending outwardly from each respective top liner layer.

In some embodiments, each of the bottom liner layers include a bottomtab portion extending outwardly from each respective bottom liner layer.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the drawings, identical reference numbers identify similar elementsor acts. The sizes and relative positions of elements in the drawingsare not necessarily drawn to scale. For example, the shapes of variouselements and angles are not drawn to scale, and some of these elementsare arbitrarily enlarged and positioned to improve drawing legibility.Further, the particular shapes of the elements as drawn are not intendedto convey any information regarding the actual shape of the particularelements, and have been solely selected for ease of recognition in thedrawings.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a peelable plate, in accordance with anembodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 2 and 3 are views of the peelable plate of FIG. 1 .

FIG. 4 is a cross sectional partially exploded view of the peelableplate of FIG. 1 .

FIGS. 5A and 5B are views of a peelable plate, in accordance withanother embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 6A and 6B are views of a peelable bowl, in accordance with anotherembodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 7A and 7B are views of a peelable cup, in accordance with anotherembodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 8A and 8B are views of a peelable sauce cup, in accordance withanother embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 9A and 9B are views of a peelable tray, in accordance with anotherembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a peelable plate, in accordance withanother embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a top perspective view of the peelable plate of FIG. 10 .

FIG. 12 is a bottom perspective view of the peelable plate of FIG. 10 .

FIG. 13 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the peelable plate ofFIG. 10 .

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following description, certain specific details are set forth inorder to provide a thorough understanding of various embodiments of theinvention. However, one skilled in the art will understand that theinvention may be practiced without these details. In other instances,well-known structures have not been shown or described in detail toavoid unnecessarily obscuring descriptions of the embodiments of theinvention.

Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment” or “anembodiment” or “an example embodiment” or “an illustrated embodiment”means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic describedin connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodimentof the present invention. Thus, the appearances of the phrases such as“in one embodiment” or “in an embodiment” in various places throughoutthis specification are not necessarily all referring to the sameembodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, orcharacteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or moreembodiments.

As used in this specification and the appended claims, the singularforms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the contentclearly dictates otherwise. It should also be noted that the term “or”is generally employed in its sense including “and/or” unless the contentclearly dictates otherwise.

The headings provided herein are for convenience only and do notinterpret the scope or meaning of the claimed invention.

With reference to FIGS. 1-4 , there is shown a peelable plate 100 inaccordance with embodiments of the invention. In some embodiments,peelable plate 100 includes a base 110 and a plurality of peelable linerlayers 150 disposed adjacent to base 110. Liner adhesive layers 154 aredisposed between liner layers 150.

A user can beneficially use peelable plate 100 to serve and eat a meal.After the meal is finished, a top liner layer 150 a can be removed froma next liner layer 150 b and discarded. The user is then left with aclean liner layer 150 so that the peel plate 100 can be reused withoutthe need to wash the peel plate. Further, as discussed below in furtherdetail, because each of the liner layers 150 are thinner than the base110 (and thinner than a typical disposable plate), less waste isgenerated by merely throwing out a liner layer than if an entire platewere to be discarded. Further, because the peelable plate 100 includes aplurality of (e.g., 25) liner layers 150, the peelable plate can bereused multiple times without having to disposed of the peelable plate100 or the base 110. As discussed in further detail below, the base 110is thicker and more rigid than the liner layers 150, and providesstability and firmness to the peelable plate 100.

The liner adhesive layers 154 disposed between the liner layers 150include characteristics such that when food and liquid is placed on atop liner layer 150 a, the food and liquid is prevented from touching orcontaminating next liner layer 150 b disposed below top liner layer 150a. In other words, an adhesive layer 154 disposed between two linerlayers 150 forms a food and liquid resistant seal between the layers.

On the other hand, and liner adhesive layer 154 allows a user to peelaway or remove a top liner layer 150 a from another liner layer 150 bdirectly below liner layer 150 a, while liner layer 150 b and theremainder of the liner layers 150 remain in place.

In some embodiments, each liner layer 150 can include a tab portion 152to allow a user to more easily grab and peel away liner layer 150. Insome embodiments, each respective tab portion may not include arespective liner adhesive layer 154 so that tab portion 152 may be moreeasily held and separated from an adjacent tab portion 152 of anotherliner layer 150. In some embodiments, tab portions 152 can extenddiagonally out from corner portions of respective liner layers 150.

In some embodiments, a base adhesive layer 170 can be used to securemultiple liner layers 150 to base 110.

In some embodiments, base 110 can include a substantially rectangularfloor 124. Floor 124 can include floor sides 126 which meet at floorcorner portions 128. In an embodiment, base side walls 112 extendoutward from floor 124. Base side walls 112 can be of a sufficientheight such that food can be satisfactorily maintained on peelable plate100. Base side walls 112 can meet at base side corners 116. Extensionwalls 114 can extend perpendicularly outward from side walls 112.Extension walls 114 can include extension wall edges 120 that meet atextension wall corners 122. A base bend 118 can be formed at theintersection of the side walls 112 and extension walls 114. In someembodiments, a liner layer extension portion 156 can form a seal againstextensions walls 114 via liner adhesive layer 154 such that food andliquid is stopped from contacting lower liner adhesive layers 154. Insuch an arrangement, liner layer corners 158 can align with respectiveextension wall corners 122.

With reference to the cross-sectional schematic view shown in FIG. 4 ,each liner layer 150 (e.g., 150 a, 150 b, 150 c) and respective lineradhesive layer 154 (e.g., 154 a, 154 b, 154 c) can be shaped to fit intothe recess 172 defined by a top surface 174 of base 110. Further,depending on a shape of top surface 174 of base 110, the plurality ofliner layers 150 a shaped and dimensioned to fit the contours formed onthe top surface 174 of base 110. Thus, a liner layer floor 162 can beshaped to fit against a top surface 174 of floor 124 of base 110. Themultiple liner layers 150 can be secured to top surface 174 of floor ofbase 110 via a base adhesive layer 170. Similarly, liner layer sidewalls 160 can be shaped to fit against respective base side walls 112.

In one embodiment of the invention, a peelable plate 100 can include asingle base 110 and in the range of 10-50 liner layers 150, oralternatively, 20-25 liner layers 150. In other embodiments, more orfewer liner layers may be included in peelable plate 100.

Base 110 can be thicker and more rigid than liner layers 150. base 110provides structure and support for peelable plate 100 and the linerlayers 150. In some embodiments, the base 110 can have a thickness(before any coating or adhesive layer is applied) in the range of 3-5mm, and in some embodiments, the base 110 can have a thickness of 3 mm.Liner layers 150 can have a basis weight (before any coating or adhesivelayer is applied) in the range of 30-60 lb., in some embodiments 35-45lb., and in some embodiments 401 b. Alternatively, other ranges can beused, as would be known to one of skill in the art, as informed by thepresent disclosure.

This combination of base 110 thickness and relative liner layer 150thinness beneficially allows a relatively large amount of liner layers150 to be combined to form a sturdy peelable plate 100 which can bereused (by peeling off liner layers 150) for a relatively large numberof meals before the base 110 is discarded (e.g., thrown out orrecycled).

The base adhesive layer 170 can include a non-toxic food safe adhesiveor edible glue. Alternatively, other suitable substances can be used.Base adhesive layer 170 should be of sufficient thickness, compositionand adhesiveness such that a stack of multiple liner layers 150 can besecured to base 110, and that when a top liner layer 150 is peeled awayfrom and removed from a stack of multiple liner layers 150, theremaining liner layers 150 remain affixed to the base 110.

In some embodiments, liner adhesive layers 154 can be formed fromcoating liner layers 150 on each side (i.e., a top and bottom surface)with a coating weight in the range of 2-20 lb. In some embodiments, acoating weight in the range of 10-15 lb. can be used. In someembodiments, a coating weight in the range of 9 lb. can be used.Alternatively, other ranges can be used, as would be known to one ofskill in the art, as informed by the present disclosure. In someembodiments, the coating can include an oil-based or other biodegradablecoating, such as, by way of non-limiting example, bees wax, soy wax,silicon wax, or another suitable waxy substance, as would be known toone of skill in the art, as informed by the present disclosure.

In some embodiments, a silicone oil could be used as the coating.Preferably, the liner adhesive layers should be substantially odorless,colorless, and tasteless. In some embodiments, base 110 can be formed ofpaper or a paper-like substance, and can include sugarcane pulp and/orwood pulp, or another suitable substance, as would be known to one ofskill in the art, as informed by the present disclosure. Liner layers150 can be formed of a paper suitable for providing peelable coverage ofthe base 110, such as, for example, a paper formed from wood pulp, aswould be known to one of skill in the art, as informed by the presentdisclosure.

As used herein, the term basis weight is intended to have the meaning aswould be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art. As is knownto those of skill in the art, basis weight measures paper density interms of the weight per unit area of a ream of paper that has been cutto a standard size during the manufacturing process.

As used herein, the term coat weight is intended to have the meaning aswould be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art, For example,in one aspect of the invention, the term coating weight is a measure ofthe amount of coating added to a base stock of paper in themanufacturing of coated papers. In some cases, coat weight is measuredas pounds of coating on the surface of a 25×38-inch ream of paper.

In some embodiments, a peelable plate 100 can be formed by compressingand heating base 110, base adhesive layer 170, multiple liner layers 150and liner adhesive layers 154 with a high-pressure heat press. Duringthe compressing and heating process, the wax or other substancescomprising the liner adhesive layers 154 are forced outward toward andto the outer perimeter edges of the liner layers 150, creating a foodresistant seal between liner layers 154 to prevent food or liquidparticles from penetrating from a top liner layer 150 to other layers150. This configuration provides protection against mold, and generallyallows for a food safe product. In addition, during the compressing andheating process, the multiple liner layers 150 and be shaped to conformto the shape of the recess 172 defined by the top surface 174 of base110. Further, in some embodiments, the liner adhesive can be formedlargely at a peripheral perimeter portion of liner layers 150.

In some embodiments, liner adhesive layers 154 can be added to linerlayers 150 by running the liner layer 150 sheets through rollers thatare dipped in to a melted wax or other suitable adhesive. Alternatively,the adhesive could be coated on in other manners, as would be known toone of skill in the art, as informed by the present disclosure.

Due to the specific above-discussed design features, a peelable platecan be provided that exhibits many beneficial properties. For example,the peelable plate can be microwavable, grease resistant, waterresistant, heat resistant, slice-resistant, and eco-friendly. Further,an oil-based or other biodegradable liner adhesive layer provides anon-stick surface for the peelable plate. In addition, embodiments ofthe peelable plate can be compostable.

A slice-resistant quality is derived from a combination of the adhesivelayers, thickness of each liner layer, an alignment of fibers of theliner layers, and a tightly compact formation (i.e., being compressedtogether) of the layers.

Further, by using the peelable plate as described herein, a user cansave money, time, and water. The peelable plate can be reused formultiple meals without it needing to be washed.

Other embodiments of the invention can be formed in shapes differentfrom that of peelable plate 100.

With reference to FIGS. 5A and 5B, there is shown a substantially roundpeelable plate 500, in accordance with embodiments of the invention.Peelable plate 500 includes a substantially round plate base 510 and asubstantially round extension wall edge 520.

With reference to FIGS. 6A and 6B, there is shown a peelable bowl 600,in accordance with embodiments of the invention. Peelable bowl 600includes a substantially round bowl base 610 and a substantially roundextension wall edge 620. Bowl base 610 is shaped and dimensioned in arounded bowl-like manner.

With reference to FIGS. 7A and 7B, there is shown a peelable cup 700, inaccordance with embodiments of the invention. Peelable cup 700 includesa substantially round bowl base 710 and a substantially round extensionwall edge 720. Cup base 710 is shaped and dimensioned in a roundedcup-like manner.

With reference to FIGS. 8A and 8B, there is shown a peelable sauce cup800, in accordance with embodiments of the invention. Peelable sauce cup800 includes a substantially round and tapered bowl base 810 and asubstantially round extension wall edge 820. Cup base 810 is shaped anddimensioned in a rounded sauce cup-like manner.

With reference to FIGS. 9A and 9B, there is shown a peelable tray 900,in accordance with embodiments of the invention. Peelable tray 900includes a substantially rectangular tray base 910 and a substantiallyrectangular extension wall edge 920. tray base 810 is shaped anddimensioned in a serving tray-like manner.

With reference to FIGS. 10-13 , other embodiments of the invention aredescribed. With reference to FIG. 10 , a peelable plate 1100 can includea top peelable liner 1150 including a top liner floor 1162 and a curvedtop liner side wall 1160 extended outward from liner floor 1162. A topliner side portion 1164 extends downwardly from top liner side wall1160. Top peelable liner 1150 also includes a top liner tab portion1152. With reference to FIG. 11 and continued reference to FIG. 10 , auser can peel away or remove a top liner layer 1150 a from another topliner layer 1150 b directly below top liner layer 1150 a, while topliner layer 150 b and the remainder of the liner layers 150 remain inplace.

In some embodiments, each top liner layer 1150 can include a top linertab portion 1152 to allow a user to more easily grab and peel away topliner layer 1150.

With reference to FIG. 12 , and with continued reference to FIGS. 10 and11 , peelable plate 1100 can include peelable bottom liner 1180including a bottom liner floor 1182 and a curved bottom liner sidesurface wall 1184 extended outward from bottom liner floor 1182.Peelable bottom liner 1180 also includes a bottom liner tab portion1153. With reference to FIG. 12 and continued reference to FIGS. 10 and11 , a user can peel away or remove a bottom liner layer 1180 a (usingbottom tab portion 1153 a) from another bottom liner layer 1180 bdirectly below bottom liner layer 1180 c, while bottom liner layers 1180b, 1180 c and the remainder of the bottom liner layers 1180 remain inplace. In some embodiments, top tab portions 1152 and bottom tabportions 1153 include curved portions at the portion of the tabs thatconnect to respective top and bottom liners. The curved portionsbeneficially provide additional structural strength so that the tabs tonot tear away from or off their respective liner layers.

In some embodiments, each bottom liner layer 1180 can include a bottomliner tab portion 1153 to allow a user to more easily grab and peel awaytop liner layer 1180. In some embodiments, the top liner tab portions1152 and the bottom liner tab portions may be arranged in an alignedmanner.

With reference to FIG. 13 , and with continued reference to FIGS. 10-12, there is shown a schematic cross-sectional view of peelable plate1100. Peelable plate 1100 is not necessarily drawn to scale in FIG. 13 .

As discussed above, peelable top liner layers 1150 including top linerlayers 1150 a, 1150 b and 1150 c are stacked and disposed above platebase 1110. Similarly, peelable bottom layer layers 1180 including bottomliner layers 1180 a, 1180 b and 1180 c are stacked and disposed belowplate base 1110. Additional top liner layers 1150 and bottom linerlayers 1180 than are shown in FIG. 13 can be included in peelable plate1100, as discussed in further detail below.

Curved plate base side portion 1190 extends upwardly from the flatsurface of plate base 1110. Plate base side wall 1194 extends downwardly(in a substantially vertical orientation) from an edge of plate baseside portion 1190. In some embodiments, side wall 1194 can extenddownwardly in a direction +/−1-20 degrees from a substantially verticalorientation. In some embodiments, a top of base side wall 1194 can beabout 1.5 inches above a surface that peelable plate 1100 is resting on.Base side wall 1194 can have a vertical length in the range of to 0.33inches. In some embodiments, other dimensions can be used.

In some embodiments, peelable top liner layers 1150 are maintained inposition without the use of adhesives between respective top linerlayers 1150. Instead, the top liner layers 1150 are formed by beingpressed into position such that they conform to the contours of platebase 1110. Similarly, bottom liner layers 1180 can be maintained inposition without the use of adhesives between respective bottom linerlayers 1180. Instead, the bottom liner layers 1180 are formed by beingpressed into position such that they conform to the contours of platebase 1110. The top liner layers 1150 and bottom layer layers can bemaintained in place in part due to the creasing at the crease betweenthe plate base side portion 1190 and the plate base bottom, as well asthe crease between the plate base side portion 1190 and the plate baseside wall 1192. As such the various top liner layers 1150 are adjacentto each other without the need for adhesive between the various topliner layers 1150 and, similarly, the various bottom liner layers 1180are adjacent each other without the need for adhesive between thevarious bottom liner layers 1180

In some embodiments, the bottom-most top liner layer 1150, positionedadjacent to plate base 1110 can be attached to a top surface 1195 ofplate base 1110 via adhesive. Similarly, the top-most bottom liner layer1180, positioned adjacent to plate base 1110 can be attached to a bottomsurface 1196 of plate base 1110 via adhesive. The adhesives can beformed of substances similar to those of adhesive layer 154 discussedabove. In such an embodiment, except for the adhesive positioned betweenthe bottom-most top liner layer 1150, positioned adjacent to plate base1110, and the adhesive positioned between the top-most bottom linerlayer 1180, positioned adjacent to plate base 1110, no other adhesive isdisposed between any other top liner layers 1150 or bottom liner layers1180. In such an arrangement, a single individual top liner layer 1150and a single bottom liner layer 1180 can be peeled away, usingrespective top liner tables 1152 and bottom liner tabs 1152, with anyremaining top liner layers 1150 and bottom liner layers 1180 remainingin position due to the compressive forces of being compressed or pressedinto respective top and bottom portions of plate base 1110.

In some embodiments, the top surface 1195 and the bottom surface 1196 ofplate base 1110 can be imprinted with a pattern, such as an “X” shapedpattern, to facilitate structurally integrity and stiffness of the platebase 1110.

In some embodiments, the bottom-most top liner layer 1150, positionedadjacent to plate base 1110 and the top-most bottom liner layer 1180,positioned adjacent to plate base 1110 can be printed or marked withfood-grade ink that indicates to a user that they are currently usingthe last top liner layer 1150 or last bottom liner layer 1180. Such anindicator can serve to inform a user that another new peelable plate1100 should be used. In some embodiments, the last top liner layer andthe last bottom liner layer 1180 can be formed of a paper or othermaterial different from that of the other top 1150 and bottom 1180 linerlayers.

In some embodiments, plate base side wall 1194 includes an angled bottomedge 1194. Angled bottom edge 1194 is angled at a downward angle from aninner portion to an outer portion off peelable plate 1100. Further,angled bottom edge 1194 also extends to the stacked layers of top linerlayers 1150 and bottom liner layers 1180.

With further reference to FIG. 13 , due to angled bottom edge 1194, theuppermost top liner layer 1150 a extends downwardly further than nexttop liner layer 1150 b, which, in turn extends further downwardly thannext top liner layer 1150 c. Due to this arrangement with respect toangled edge 1194, the edges of top liner layers beneficially form a foodsafe barrier because each top liner layer 1150 extends downwardly anamount further than the next top liner layer 1150.

In some embodiments, peelable plate 1100 can include in the range of15-30 top liner layers 1150, which can form a critically beneficialnumber of top layers 1150. In some embodiments, peelable plate 1100 caninclude 25 top liner layers 1150, which can be a critically beneficialnumber of top liner layers 1150. In some embodiments, peelable plate1100 can include in the range of 2-10 bottom liner layers 1180, whichcan form a critically beneficial number of bottom liner layers 1180. Insome embodiments, peelable plate 1100 can include 5 bottom liner layers1180, which can be a critically beneficial number of top liner layers1150.

In some embodiments, plate base 1110 can be formed of similar materialsas that of plate base 110 discussed above. For example, plate base 1110can be formed of sugarcane pulp, with a thickness of about 1-1.5 mm.Further, in some embodiments, top liner layers 1150 and bottom linerlayers 1180 can be formed of similar materials as those of peelableliners 150 discussed above. For example, top liner layers 1150 andbottom liner layers 1180 can be formed of food grade silicone coatedwood pulp paper, with a weight of 40 gsm.

In a similar manner to peelable plate 100 discussed above, a user canbeneficially use peelable plate 1100 to serve and eat a meal. After themeal is finished, a top liner layer 1150 a can be removed from the anext top liner layer 1150 b and discarded. The user is then left with aclean top liner layer 1150 so that the peel plate 1100 can be reusedwithout the need to wash the peel plate. Further, because each of thetop liner layers 1150 are thinner than the base 1110 (and thinner than atypical disposable plate), less waste is generated by merely throwingout a liner layer than if an entire plate were to be discarded. Further,because the peelable plate 1100 includes a plurality of top liner layers1150, the peelable plate 1100 can be reused multiple times withouthaving to disposed of the peelable plate 1100 or the plate base 1110. Inaddition, in an arrangement different than that of peelable plate 100,peelable plate 1100 also includes a plurality of bottom liner layers1180 that can also be peeled away after use in the case that foodresidue becomes in contact with or attached to the bottom of peelableplate 1100. In some embodiments, peelable late includes fewer bottomliner layers 1180 than top liner layers 1180 because a situation wherebyfood comes in contact with the bottom of peelable plate 1100 is lesslikely than having food come in contact with a top of peelable plate1100.

In some embodiments, peelable plate 1100 can be formed by unwinding aroll of combined multi-layered materials including materials to form topliner layers 1150, plate base 1100 and bottom liner layers 1180. As theroll is unwound, individual peelable plates 1100 can be stamped (such aswith, for example, a hydraulic press), shaped and formed sequentiallyfrom the unwound roll material.

In other embodiments of the invention, other dinnerware items could beformed in a manner similar to that described above with respect topeelable plate 1100, For example, the same basic combination of peelabletop liner layers, a base, and peelable bottom liner layers could be usedto form other products such as a food tray, bowl, cup, cutting board,sauce cup, and a serving tray.

In some embodiments, features described with respect to one embodimentcan be combined with features described with respect to anotherembodiment.

These and other changes can be made in light of the above-detaileddescription. In general, in the following claims, the terms used shouldnot be construed to limit the invention to the specific embodimentsdisclosed in the specification and the claims, but should be construedto include all medical treatment devices in accordance with the claims.Accordingly, the invention is not limited by the disclosure, but insteadits scope is to be determined entirely by the following claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A peelable plate comprising: a base; a pluralityof top liner layers disposed adjacent to a top surface of the base; anda plurality of bottom liner layers disposed adjacent to a bottom surfaceof the base.
 2. The peelable plate of claim 1, wherein the plurality oftop liner layers are arranged in manner that allow a top liner layer ofthe plurality of liner layers to be peeled away from another top linerlayer of the plurality of top liner layers while the another top linerlayer remains in its original position.
 3. The peelable plate of claim2, wherein the plurality of bottom liner layers are arranged in mannerthat allow a bottom liner layer of the plurality of bottom liner layersto be peeled away from another bottom liner layer of the plurality ofbottom liner layers while the another bottom liner layer remains in itsoriginal position.
 4. The peelable plate of claim 1, wherein each of thetop liner layers include a top tab portion extending outwardly from eachrespective top liner layer.
 5. The peelable plate of claim 4, whereineach of the bottom liner layers include a bottom tab portion extendingoutwardly from each respective bottom liner layer.
 6. The peelable plateof claim 5, wherein a plurality of top tab portions are aligned with aplurality of bottom tab portions.
 7. The peelable plate of claim 1,wherein the plurality of top liner layers are formed such that aperipheral portion of each of the plurality of top liner layers extendssubstantially vertically downward, an angled edge is defined at an endof the downward facing peripheral portions of the top liner layers, andthe plurality of top liner layers are arranged such that an outermosttop liner layer extends further downward than an adjacent top linerlayer.
 8. The peelable plate of claim 7, wherein the plurality of topliner layers form a food resistant barrier between the plurality of topliner layers due to the outermost top liner layer extends furtherdownward than an adjacent top liner layer.
 9. The peelable plate ofclaim 1, wherein the plurality of top liner layers are arranged suchthat adjacent top liner layers are in direct contact with each otherwith no adhesive layer disposed between adjacent top liner layers. 9.The peelable plate of claim 9, wherein the plurality of bottom linerlayers are arranged such that adjacent bottom liner layers are in directcontact with each other with no adhesive layer disposed between adjacentbottom liner layers.
 11. The peelable plate of claim 1, wherein anadhesive is disposed between a top liner layer of the plurality of topliner layers that is adjacent the base, and an adhesive is disposedbetween a bottom liner layer of the plurality of bottom liner layersthat is adjacent the base.
 12. The peelable plate of claim 1, whereinthe base has a greater stiffness than each of the plurality of top linerlayers and each of the plurality of bottom liner layers.
 13. Thepeelable plate of claim 1, wherein the plurality of top liner layers andthe plurality of bottom liner layers are compressed against the base,and the plurality of top liner layers and the plurality of bottom linerlayers are maintained in position in part due to creases in theplurality of top liner layers, the base, and the plurality of bottomliner layers.
 14. The peelable plate of claim 1, wherein the pluralityof top liner layers includes in the range of 15-30 top liner layers, andthe plurality of bottom liner layers includes in the range of 2-10bottom liner layers.
 15. The peelable plate of claim 14, wherein theplurality of top liner layers includes 25 top liner layers, and theplurality of bottom liner layers includes 5 bottom liner layers.
 16. Apeelable food container comprising: a base; a plurality of top linerlayers disposed adjacent to a top surface of the base; and a pluralityof bottom liner layers disposed adjacent to a bottom surface of thebase.
 17. The peelable food container of claim 16, wherein the pluralityof top liner layers are arranged in manner that allow a top liner layerof the plurality of liner layers to be peeled away from another topliner layer of the plurality of top liner layers while the another topliner layer remains in its original position.
 18. The peelable foodcontainer of claim 16, wherein the plurality of bottom liner layers arearranged in manner that allow a bottom liner layer of the plurality ofbottom liner layers to be peeled away from another bottom liner layer ofthe plurality of bottom liner layers while the another bottom linerlayer remains in its original position.
 19. The peelable food containerof claim 16, wherein each of the top liner layers include a top tabportion extending outwardly from each respective top liner layer. 20.The peelable food container of claim 16, wherein each of the bottomliner layers include a bottom tab portion extending outwardly from eachrespective bottom liner layer.